The Woodpecker circular, Wash Common

Start : The Woodpecker, Wash Common (RG20 0LU) Grid ref. SU 453 635

(S/E) Turn right out of the pub car park, and go West about 400 yards along the road.

(1) Then take a footpath on the left which leads over a bridge (into Hampshire) and follow the path forward along a tributary stream to a pair of stiles.

(2) Go left down the cottage drive to the A343 road. Cross over and take the tarmac lane, staying on the level for about 3/4 mile where a footpath diverges at a fine angle to the right.

(3) Follow this for 1/2 mile when it climbs to meet the drive of a house.

(4) Before this meets a road, take the footpath through trees that bears right (South) parallel to the road. This meets a track that curves right downhill and arrives at some cottages.

(5) Instead of going forward uphill, take the marked footpath left down the side of one of the houses, pass a tennis court on the right and follow an indistinct path through a wood, emerging through a stile and along the edge of a paddock with a ditch to the left and the fence on the right. At the end go over a stile and out through the 5 bar gate onto a lane.

(6) Turn right and follow the lane past farm buildings on the left to its end at a metal gate. Go forward about 200 yards, where the path takes a right angle turn to the right.

(7) Go across the field for about 1/4 mile to join the lane you used on the outward journey.

(8)Turn left and retrace your steps to The Woodpecker pub. (S/E)

Start : The Woodpecker, Wash Common (RG20 0LU) Grid ref. SU 453 635

Driving to start: About three miles from Newbury on the Andover road A343. Take the first turn right after the 50 limit sign, and the pub is shortly on the right.

Refreshments: The Woodpecker is a lively pub on the outskirts of Newbury under new management serving very good beer (Arkells) and food, though no sandwiches. Find something on the starters menu.

Find more walks at Newbury Pub Walks here.